I’ve been writing about Deep Run Park in Henrico County a lot lately, but it’s only because it was a popular spot for my clients this year. When I talk to clients about locations, I consider their needs and the type of session we’re doing, and then I’ll offer three or four location options that I think will work best. A few families chose Deep Run this year, but only one family chose it for maternity photos. Megan is a returning client; I’ve helped her with her pregnancy announcement for both her daughter and son, her daughter’s newborn photos, and several family sessions since her daughter was born.

We scheduled this particular session as a maternity and family session to celebrate the last days of them being a family of three, mere weeks before their son was born. I suggested Deep Run Park for them because of the easy, flat paths that would make walking easier, the wide open spaces where their daughter could run, and the gorgeous fall light that I knew we’d get since we were meeting after Megan and her partner got off work.

The sun was meandering toward the tall pines as we made our way down the path. I encouraged them to let C bring her comfort items, and she gripped them and her mama’s hand equally tightly, stopping to take sips of water and eat goldfish along the way.

C was the perfect height to fit under Mama’s belly as she got her bearings and looked at all the people in the park. It was a beautiful evening, and everywhere she looked there were people running, walking, and playing games.

We found a more secluded spot, where the sun was shining like a spotlight through the trees, and found that C fit perfectly on top of Mama’s belly, too. We let her play and explore, got low with her on the boardwalk, and then carried her back when her legs got tired.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love all the nooks and crannies that Deep Run Park provides. Whether it’s a maternity session with a toddler, or a family session with teenagers, or a family session with toddlers, there are so many places in the park that can make a session work for you, instead of the other way around. No two sessions look exactly the same.

It’s the connection that matters the most, of course. Smiling and laughing, or pensive and pulling on Mama, that connection is what I look for during sessions, to help tell your story. Your story isn’t going to be all rainbows and butterflies all the time, and I love when we get a full range of emotions from the kids, to really showcase their full personality. C was no exception. She laughed, she cried, she wanted Mama all the time. And while I know it feels like that will last forever, we all know deep inside that it won’t. So I’m glad we got the clingy phase documented while it was happening.

Want help choosing the best location for your maternity session? Contact me and let’s chat.